Paper Title
The Development of the Oromo Language in Ethiopia

Abstract
This study investigates the role of Evangelical missionaries and churches in the development of the Oromo languagein Ethiopia. The study draws on theoretical and methodological frameworks from the field of language planning and development. The main source of data was interviews and focus group discussions conducted with church leaders at different organisational levels and other members of the church community. In addition, documents found in the Ethiopian Evangelical Church Mekane Yesus (EECMY) archives were analysed. The findings indicate that a number of church activities have contributed to the maintenance and development of the language. These activities include translation and transliteration work of the Bible and other religious literature, literacy and educational programmes and the media. Keywords - Dominant Language, Ethiopian Orthodox Church,Ethiopian Evangelical Church Mekane Yesus, Evangelical Christianity, Language Development, Language Maintenance, Language Policy, Language Rights,, Minority Language, Oromo, Vernacular.